Broncos seem to be playing dangerous game at key position

When the 2025 season came crashing down for the Denver Broncos after a disappointing loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, fans were immediately clamoring for more weapons on offense. They knew that the team needed more options to be able to threaten strong defenses. 

However, with a more capable rushing attack, the Broncos likely would have played in Super Bowl LX, even with a backup quarterback. The injury suffered by J.K. Dobbins in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders proved too costly. 

When free agency opened, the Broncos clearly took a stance not to overpay for available options such as Travis Etienne, Tyler Allgeuier or Rico Dowdle. Instead, the team quickly re-signed its own guy, Dobbins. 

Dobbins was fifth in the NFL in rushing yards at the time of his injury, but his injury history is a major concern. However, Dobbins has repeatedly discussed an illegal hip drop tackle by the Raiders as the reason for last year's foot injury and feels the injury-prone label that has been given to him is a bit unfair. 

Can the Broncos trust J.K. Dobbins?

There is no question that Dobbins was having a successful first season in Denver prior to being hurt, but the fact remains that he has never played a full season in his career. However, at this point, it's unlikely the Broncos are going to add another big name to the backfield. 

Selecting a running back in the draft is a good possibility, but without a first-round pick at their disposal following the trade for Jaylen Waddle, and with pressing needs at inside linebacker, tight end and defensive line, it will likely be a late-round pick. That is a player who will be battling for a spot on the practice squad in all likelihood. 

That means that the team will put its faith in Dobbins again this coming season. If he can stay healthy, he can be a productive runner. But that is a big if. It would be a crushing blow for the Broncos to see him go down again and have another postseason run doomed by the lack of a consistent rushing attack. 

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RJ Harvey is a great young back, but he's not a carry-the-load player. Tyler Badie and Jaleel McLaughlin are both experienced scatbacks, but likely won't ever be called upon for any heavy lifting. The Broncos need that player. The hope is that it's Dobbins, but history has yet to show that. 

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